Metabolic Mind

Bret Scher

Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. We explore topics that can help you understand how Metabolic Psychiatry might help you or a loved one treat mental disorders

Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind

Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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Thursday · 9 min
Do We Really Eat Too Much Protein?
Do most people really need to eat less protein to live longer? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher responds to a new review getting attention for the claim that protein restriction may extend lifespan, and explains why that message can be misleading for older adults, active people, and anyone focused on metabolic health. Dr. Scher walks through the biology behind the headlines, including mTOR, FGF21, animal research, and the limits of applying rodent data directly to humans. He also explains why adequate protein becomes more important with age, especially for preserving muscle, reducing frailty risk, supporting insulin sensitivity, and maintaining independence. He covers: Why “eat less protein” headlines can miss important context What mTOR and FGF21 have to do with protein restriction and longevity Why rodent studies do not always translate cleanly to human health How sarcopenia and anabolic resistance change protein needs with age Why the protein RDA is a minimum, not a personalized target for health optimization How muscle supports glucose control and insulin sensitivity Why protein needs depend on age, activity level, metabolic health, pregnancy, recovery, and training status How exercise, fasting, and lower insulin may influence similar cellular pathways without sacrificing adequate protein Protein needs are personal. A sedentary 35-year-old, a 70-year-old trying to preserve muscle, an athlete, and someone recovering from illness are not all aiming for the same target. Age, activity, metabolic health, and muscle goals should shape the conversation. 🎙️ We want to hear from you! Take our quick podcast survey at the link and enter for a chance to win. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #ProteinNeeds Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: The hallmarks of protein and amino acid restriction in aging and longevity https://www.cell.com/cell-press-blue/fulltext/S3051-3839(26)00077-0 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
Tuesday · 27 min
Q&A: Keto Safety After a Stent, During Pregnancy, and in Serious Mental Illness
Can ketogenic therapy be safe for someone with heart disease, atherosclerosis, or a stent? Can you follow a ketogenic diet without losing weight? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher answers viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, cardiovascular risk, anorexia recovery, pregnancy and nursing, schizophrenia remission, keto on a budget, and whether doctors learn about ketogenic therapy in medical school. He covers: Ketogenic therapy and cardiovascular disease after a stent or atherosclerosis How to follow a ketogenic diet without unwanted weight loss What early research suggests about ketogenic therapy for weight-restored anorexia Ketogenic therapy during pregnancy or nursing, and why clinical supervision is essential Lab markers that may change during sustained nutritional ketosis Why schizophrenia symptom remission is different from a cure How genetics and metabolism may both contribute to serious mental illness Budget-friendly ways to approach a well-formulated ketogenic diet Why keto is rarely taught in medical school The big takeaway is that ketogenic therapy is best understood as a clinical tool, not a one-size-fits-all template. Heart history, weight goals, symptoms, labs, pregnancy, medications, budget, and support all shape what the right approach looks like. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq8LHYuczUQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrBxuQ6kcME Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
Sunday · 14 min
Obesity Medicine Doctor on Metabolic Health and Ketosis
How can clinicians use real-world patient data to personalize metabolic health care? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Jeff Pua, an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician, about obesity medicine, metabolic syndrome, nutritional ketosis, and what clinicians can learn from patient outcomes in everyday practice. Dr. Pua shares how his approach has evolved from relying only on broad research categories to also paying close attention to individual patient experiments, blood tests, and lived experience. In his practice, he sees patients improve not only in weight and metabolic markers, but also in mood, mindset, mental sharpness, and confidence as they begin to see measurable changes in their own health. They cover: How obesity medicine is evolving beyond the number on the scale Why metabolic syndrome is a major focus in Dr. Pua’s practice How N-of-1 patient data can help clinicians personalize care What blood tests can reveal about real-world metabolic improvement Why nutritional ketosis can be a helpful benchmark for some patients How nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change work together Why exercise may become more accessible once metabolic health improves This conversation offers a clinician’s view of how metabolic health care can become more personalized, measurable, and empowering for patients. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #ObesityMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Jeffrey Pua https://www.drjeffreypuamd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreypuamd/ http://linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pua-a15627317 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 20 · 7 min
BITESIZE: How Chronic Stress Disrupts Metabolic Health
Can chronic stress undermine metabolic health, even when nutrition, sleep, and exercise are in place? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why stress recovery is an important part of metabolic health and how chronic cortisol and adrenaline activation may affect insulin resistance, blood pressure, inflammation, sleep, and long-term cardiometabolic health. Dr. Scher breaks down the difference between short-term stress that helps us respond to challenges and chronic stress that keeps the body’s alarm system switched on. He also shares why stress recovery doesn’t have to mean an hour of meditation or a weekend nature retreat. Even brief, consistent practices like 10 minutes outside, a short walk, sunlight exposure, calming music, or nature sounds may help the nervous system reset. In the episode, Dr. Scher covers: How chronic stress can affect blood sugar, insulin resistance, and blood pressure Why cortisol and adrenaline are helpful short term but harmful when constantly elevated How stress can disrupt sleep, cognition, inflammation, and metabolic health Why meditation works for some people, and why consistency matters more than duration How nature exposure, sunlight, and natural sounds may support stress recovery Why recognizing early stress signals can help prevent bigger health consequences How small daily recovery practices can support cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health Regular recovery practices give your stress response somewhere to land. A few minutes of meditation, a walk outside, sunlight, music, or even nature sounds can help support steadier blood sugar, better sleep, and a brain and body that aren’t constantly running on high alert. 👉 Ready to build your own metabolic mental health plan? Explore THINK+SMART, our free, evidence-informed program designed to help you work with your care team and take practical steps toward supporting metabolic and mental health: metabolicmind.org/thinksmart/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #NationalWellnessMonth Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 18 · 38 min
Could GLP-1s Help Treat Bulimia and Binge Eating?
Could GLP-1 medications play a role in treating bulimia or binge eating disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Paige Gordon and psychiatrist Dr. Michael Lutter about Paige’s personal experience using a GLP-1 medication for treatment-resistant bulimia, and why researchers are beginning to explore the neurobiology of binge eating. Paige shares how years of therapy and medication never quieted the overwhelming binge urges that drove her bulimia. After hearing someone describe their experience on a podcast, she began exploring GLP-1 medication and saw a profound change in her urges and eating patterns. Dr. Lutter adds the scientific context, including genetic findings that may help explain why some people with binge eating or bulimia respond strongly to GLP-1 medications. They cover: How Paige’s bulimia began and why standard treatments didn’t fully help What “food noise” felt like in her lived experience Why GLP-1 medications may affect appetite, reward pathways, and binge urges How genetics may help identify who responds to GLP-1s Why eating disorder treatment needs more precision-focused research The risks of using GLP-1 medications in people with restrictive eating disorders Why stigma keeps many people from discussing this treatment openly This conversation explores an emerging area of eating disorder research with hope, caution, and a clear need for larger clinical trials. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #GLP1 #EatingDisorderTreatment Expert Featured: Paige Gordon https://paigegordonauthor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paigegordonauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigegordon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paigegordonauthor Dr. Michael Lutter https://precision-psychiatry.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelluttermd/ https://www.youtube.com/@precisionpsychiatry Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 16 · 28 min
First Keto RCT for Serious Mental Illness: Hear from the Study Authors
Can ketogenic therapy improve symptoms, cognition, and metabolic health in people living with serious mental illness? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Judy Ford, Juliette Kyner (previously Juliette Ward), and Dr. Shebani Sethi about the first-ever randomized controlled trial of a ketogenic diet intervention in individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar I disorder with psychotic features. The conversation explores what made this trial possible, from prepared meals and coaching to the structured support that helped participants stay engaged. It also highlights encouraging four-month findings across metabolic health, cognition, depressive symptoms, and both positive and negative psychiatric symptoms. They discuss: Why this trial is an important step for metabolic psychiatry How participants adhered to a ketogenic diet with structured support What changed in metabolic health markers like BMI, A1C, and HOMA-IR Why cognitive improvements were especially meaningful How positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms changed over time What family members noticed as participants re-engaged with daily life Why future studies may need to be longer, larger, and more mechanistic This trial marks an important step for metabolic psychiatry and points to the need for larger, longer, fully controlled studies that can better clarify how ketogenic interventions may affect metabolic, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes. 👉 Learn more about this trial on our study page: First-Ever Randomized Controlled Trial of Ketogenic Diet in Schizophrenia-Spectrum and Bipolar I Disorder 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Schizophrenia #BipolarDisorder Expert Featured: Dr. Judy Ford https://bbrfoundation.org/about/people/judith-m-ford-phd Juliette Kyner, Research Assistant at UCSF https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliette-marie-kyner/ Dr. Shebani Sethi https://www.metabolicpsychiatry.com/team https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsethi/ https://x.com/ShebaniMD Resources Mentioned: Metabolic Improvements with a Ketogenic Diet Correlate with Symptom Improvement in Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbag082 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 13 · 5 min
BITESIZE: New GLP-1 Study Raises Metabolic Health Questions
Do GLP-1 medications improve metabolic health as much as they support weight loss? A new observational study in the Annals of Internal Medicine raises an important question about semaglutide, insulin discontinuation, type 2 diabetes, and what meaningful metabolic improvement may require. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a real-world study of more than 9,000 veterans with type 2 diabetes who were using insulin and then added either a GLP-1 receptor agonist, SGLT2 inhibitor, or DPP4 inhibitor. Despite semaglutide’s stronger association with weight loss, the study found similar insulin discontinuation rates across all three groups over three years. Dr. Scher covers: Why weight loss and metabolic health improvements may not always move together What insulin discontinuation can reveal about insulin resistance and beta cell function Why semaglutide did not outperform older diabetes medications in this study The limitations of observational research and real-world medication data How GLP-1 medications and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction may work through complementary mechanisms Why combining GLP-1s with therapeutic carbohydrate reduction may be an important area for future research and clinical practice This conversation takes a closer look at what metabolic health means, and why the path from weight loss to insulin independence may be more complex than the scale alone can show. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1 Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Comparative Effectiveness of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Versus Oral Agents for Insulin Discontinuation in Type 2 Diabetes : A Target Trial Emulation https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-05216 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 11 · 23 min
Q&A: Insulin Resistance, Reaching Ketosis, Bone Density, and Rating Popular Keto Products
The questions around ketogenic therapy keep getting more layered, and your latest submissions reflect that. In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard tackle some of the most common questions about insulin resistance, ketosis, bone health, and a fun rapid-fire round on popular ketogenic products and practices. In this discussion, you'll learn: The difference between pathologic and physiologic insulin resistance and why insulin levels matter most Why someone in deep ketosis may fail a glucose tolerance test and how to interpret it How metabolic health affects how strict your ketogenic approach needs to be Why some people can stay in ketosis at 75 grams of carbs while others need under 25 Why claims about ketogenic diets causing bone loss don't hold up under scrutiny The role of protein intake, resistance training, and walking in supporting bone density A rapid-fire round covering MCT oil, electrolytes, caffeine, diet sodas, keto bread, creatine, exogenous ketones, intermittent fasting, and artificial sweeteners This conversation captures the nuance that ketogenic therapy and metabolic health really call for, while keeping the practical realities of everyday life in view. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #MetabolicPsychiatry Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m6Fm0nXaMQ&t=2s Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 9 · 8 min
Robyn Dobbins Reflects on Her Story in The Cholesterol Code
What does it look like to put bipolar II disorder into remission and become a voice of hope for others living with serious mental illness? Robyn Dobbins joins Hannah Warren from Metabolic Mind to reflect on how ketogenic therapy transformed her life, and what it was like to see her own story featured in The Cholesterol Code documentary. In this conversation, you'll learn: What it was like for Robyn to see her personal story on the big screen Why she has always been open about her mental health journey, even at the time of her bipolar II diagnosis How her psychiatric symptoms showed up before ketogenic therapy, including persistent anger, exhaustion, and the urge to escape her own life What changed once she began ketogenic therapy and how her day-to-day experience shifted Why she continues to advocate for awareness around metabolic therapies for mental illness How The Cholesterol Code documentary could expand awareness of ketogenic therapy beyond current circles What inspires Robyn to keep sharing her story and how she hopes it reaches others still suffering Robyn's openness about her journey is helping break the stigma around serious mental illness and expand awareness of what recovery can look like. 🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Z8bUb1P94 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicPsychiatry #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #BipolarDisorder Expert By Experience Featured: Robyn Dobbins https://x.com/robynrdobbins https://www.facebook.com/people/Robyn-R-Dobbins/100090891465253/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-dobbins-59bb1653/ https://www.instagram.com/robynrdobbins/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. *Disclaimer: Tapering psychiatric medication isn’t the goal for everyone, and adjusting doses too quickly can be dangerous. Medications should never be stopped abruptly, and changes should always be made with your prescriber. Visit Inner Compass Initiative [https://www.theinnercompass.org/] for more information on safe tapering.
August 6 · 5 min
BITESIZE: Keto 101: Everything You Need to Know About Ketone Testing
How do you know if you're actually in ketosis? Should you test ketones? And if so, what's the best method: blood, breath, or urine? Dr. Bret Scher breaks down everything you need to know about ketone testing, including when testing matters, which tools are most accurate, and how to interpret your results based on your goals. Whether you're using a ketogenic diet for metabolic health, weight loss, or therapeutic ketosis for mental health and neurological conditions, understanding ketone testing can help you personalize your approach. In this video, you'll learn: Why ketone testing can be a valuable tool When ketone levels matter, and when they may not The differences between urine strips, breath meters, and blood ketone monitors Pros and cons of each testing method How often to test and the best times of day to measure ketones Why ketone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day The emerging role of continuous ketone monitors (CKMs) How to use ketone data without becoming overwhelmed or obsessive Ultimately, there isn't one "perfect" ketone number for everyone. The value of ketone testing depends on your goals, your health condition, and how you respond to ketosis. The most useful data is the data that helps you make informed decisions and better understand your own metabolism. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #KetoneTesting Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 4 · 36 min
Targeting Cancer Metabolism With Ketogenic Therapy and Fasting
Could metabolic therapies become part of the future of cancer care? That question sits at the center of Dr. Bret Scher’s conversation with neurologist and researcher Dr. Matthew Phillips, whose recent study explored a metabolic approach in people with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Rather than relying on a single intervention, the study combined a ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and repeated five-day fasts alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation. Together, these strategies were designed to lower the Glucose Ketone Index, or GKI, by reducing glucose and increasing ketones. In this conversation, they explore: Why cancer cell metabolism is becoming an important area of research How glucose, ketones, and mitochondrial function may influence cancer growth Why the GKI was a central target in the study How fasting and ketogenic therapy were integrated with standard cancer treatment The difference between intentional weight loss and cancer cachexia Why quality of life deserves as much attention as survival What the study’s long-term survivors may teach researchers Why larger randomized trials are still needed Participants following the metabolic protocol achieved an average GKI of 1.88, and every participant completed all eight five-day fasts. The metabolic therapy group also had a median survival of 21 months compared with 14 months in the control group, along with a higher rate of survival beyond three years. These results offer a compelling reason to keep studying this approach, particularly in a cancer with such limited treatment options and a difficult prognosis. Since the trial was small and nonrandomized, it can’t provide definitive answers, but it does give researchers a strong foundation to build on. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Matthew Phillips https://www.metabolicneurologist.com/ https://x.com/drmclphillips Resources Mentioned: Intensive multimodal ketogenic metabolic therapy in glioblastoma: A clinical trial https://doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/vdag165 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
August 2 · 6 min
BITESIZE: JAMA Psychiatry Analysis: What 50 Studies Tell Us About Nutrition For Depression & Anxiety
Can a ketogenic diet help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms? A new meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry examined 50 different keto studies, totaling over 40,000 participants, that included depression and anxiety outcomes. The results of the review demonstrated a modest improvement in depression symptoms across different populations and diagnoses in both controlled and real-world scenarios, and greater symptom improvement was observed in trials that included ketone monitoring. Improvements in anxiety were also observed in most studies, but with less consistency than depressive symptoms. While many of these studies weren't originally designed to treat depression or anxiety, the consistent improvements associated with verified ketosis as well as the larger effect seen in “very low carbohydrate” diets compared to just “low carbohydrate” diets, tell us that ketogenic therapy for depression warrants further investigation. And when we combine the findings with the results of another recent additional study on keto for depression (not included in the analysis), we can’t help but wonder how many people could benefit from ketogenic therapy. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down: What the JAMA Psychiatry paper actually reviewed How ketosis may support mood and brain function Key findings from both randomized and non-randomized trials How measuring ketosis was associated with better depression improvements Safety considerations and medication interactions to watch for This JAMA review highlights growing scientific interest in ketogenic therapy for serious mental illness, driven by early scientific evidence and thousands of individuals worldwide reporting significant improvements in mental health with ketogenic therapy. Looking for more information on ketogenic therapy for depression? Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to be notified when our brand-new Keto for Depression Resource Hub is available! https://www.metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Medical Director, Metabolic Mind and Baszucki Group https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Ketogenic Diets and Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.3261 Blog: A Ketogenic Diet was Associated with improvements in Depression in College Students https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/new-research-a-ketogenic-diet-improved-depression-in-college-students/ Edinburgh Trial Showing Improvements in Depression Symptoms in Patients Living with Bipolar Disorder https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured-post/first-european-trial-shows-promise-of-keto-as-a-new-treatment-for-bipolar/ Stanford Study Shows Keto Improves Symptoms of Serious Mental Illness https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured/stanford-study-shows-promise-of-keto/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 30 · 7 min
BITESIZE: New Study: Could GLP-1 Medications Be Reducing Physical Activity?
Do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic reduce physical activity? Preliminary research suggests they might, raising important questions about how exercise should be supported alongside treatment. GLP-1 medications are helping many people achieve meaningful weight loss and metabolic improvements. At the same time, findings presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting showed declines in daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous activity after treatment began. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher examines those results, explores why activity levels may fall, and explains how similar concerns can arise with medications such as statins and antipsychotics. He covers: What the study found about physical activity Why side effects and rapid weight loss may reduce movement How muscle loss can affect long-term metabolic health Why resistance training and protein intake matter How clinicians can provide more structured exercise support These findings highlight the importance of pairing GLP-1 medications with proactive support for physical activity and muscle preservation. More broadly, they suggest that when a treatment can affect appetite, energy, or body composition, those effects should be monitored and addressed as part of ongoing care. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1 Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 28 · 28 min
GLP-1s + Ketogenic Diet: The Future of Weight Loss?
Could a ketogenic diet and low-dose GLP-1 medications work better together? A new case series suggests they might, while highlighting a more personalized approach to metabolic health. GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment, but they aren't the only tool available. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with physician assistant Bill Jensen about a newly published case series exploring the combination of a ketogenic diet and low-dose semaglutide. Together, they discuss how this approach may help preserve lean mass, improve insulin resistance, reduce side effects, and empower patients to take an active role in their health. In this video: Why low-dose GLP-1s may complement a ketogenic diet The importance of preserving muscle during weight loss Which patients may benefit most from this approach Why this case series is hypothesis-generating, not definitive How lifestyle and medication can work together to improve metabolic health This conversation examines how a more personalized approach to care could improve long-term health outcomes. Rather than asking whether medication or lifestyle is "better," it explores how combining the right tools for the right person may help improve body composition, support metabolic health, and empower patients to play an active role in their care. 💡 Not all ketogenic diets are the same. If you’re interested in learning more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like, check out our blog: Understanding the Well-Formulated Ketogenic Diet. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1 Expert Featured: Bill Jenson PA-C, MMS https://www.summitfamilyhealth.org/dr-jensen https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-jensen-45027053/ https://www.instagram.com/summitmetabolichealth/ Resources Mentioned: Personalized Combination of a Ketogenic Diet and Low-Dose Semaglutide for Cardiometabolic Health: A Retrospective Case Series https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16060313 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 26 · 20 min
Dr. Ford Brewer on the Future of Heart Health & The Cholesterol Code
What does it take to truly understand and assess cardiovascular risk in modern medicine? Dr. Bret Scher joins Dr. Ford Brewer at the Collaborative Science (CoSci) conference to discuss the recent screening of The Cholesterol Code documentary and the bigger picture of metabolic health, cardiac imaging, and the future of risk assessment. In this conversation, you'll learn: Dr. Ford Brewer's reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and what stood out most Why metabolism, not just plumbing, drives cardiovascular disease How CT angiogram with AI analysis is becoming the gold standard in cardiac imaging What CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness) measures and where it fits in evaluating risk Why calcium scores can miss important soft plaque What to look for when seeking a high-quality CIMT scan Dr. Brewer's personal story of being diagnosed with manic depression in medical school and how lifestyle and metabolic changes shaped his journey Why GLP-1 medications, when used responsibly, can be a useful tool rather than a stand-alone solution How the overuse of statins and GLP-1s reflects broader issues in modern medicine This discussion captures the value of bringing nuanced, individualized thinking into the conversation around cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and mental wellness. 🔎 Learn more about CIMT tests on our blog: Early Heart Disease Detection? Why You May Consider a CIMT Test 🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Z8bUb1P94 #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #HeartDisease Expert Featured: Dr. Ford Brewer https://prevmedhealth.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoEsq6a6ePXxgZeA4CVrUw https://www.instagram.com/brewer.ford https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordbrewer/ https://www.facebook.com/DrFordBrewer/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 23 · 6 min
BITESIZE: We Can Reverse T2 Diabetes. That Doesn’t Mean Patients Are at Fault
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can often be put into remission. So why do so many people still struggle to get better? In this discussion, Dr. Bret Scher explores how the environments we create, from our food system to our healthcare system, shape metabolic health in ways that are often overlooked. Using a thought experiment as a starting point, he examines why remission is possible for many people with type 2 diabetes, why that shouldn't be confused with 100% personal responsibility, and what needs to change if we want to improve outcomes at scale. He covers: Why type 2 diabetes remission is possible for many people How ketogenic nutrition and other metabolic therapies can improve insulin resistance Why type 1 and type 2 diabetes require fundamentally different approaches How modern food environments contribute to metabolic dysfunction The limitations of decades of conventional nutrition advice Why clinician education and public policy matter for metabolic health How shifting the conversation from blame to biology can improve patient care Growing evidence continues to show that metabolic health can be improved through nutrition and lifestyle interventions when people have the right support. Building healthcare systems and food environments that reflect that science could help more people achieve better long-term health. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #Diabetes #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 21 · 47 min
Meet Dr. Bret Scher: The Host Behind Metabolic Mind
Dr. Bret Scher began his career practicing conventional cardiology, following the same guidelines taught in medical training. Today, he is Medical Director at Metabolic Mind, as well as The Coalition for Metabolic Health, and one of the leading voices advancing metabolic health, ketogenic therapy, and metabolic psychiatry. What changed? In this special episode, Metabolic Mind producer Erica Gerard turns the tables and interviews Dr. Scher about the experiences, patients, and pivotal moments that challenged his thinking and reshaped his approach to medicine. In this conversation, you'll learn: How a conventionally trained cardiologist became known as the "low-carb cardiologist" The patients who changed the way he thought about nutrition and metabolic health Why he believes medicine should treat individuals, not just follow guidelines What drew him from cardiovascular medicine into the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry How interviewing researchers, clinicians, and patients has influenced his perspective on evidence and clinical care His hopes for the future of metabolic health and what it could mean for medicine Along the way, Dr. Scher shares personal stories from his childhood, medical training, career, and family life, offering a rare look at his curiosity, humility, and willingness to challenge his own assumptions that continue to shape his work today. Whether you've followed Dr. Scher's work for years or meeting him for the first time, this conversation offers insight into the journey behind one of the most trusted voices in metabolic medicine. 👉 Learn more about Metabolic Mind, Dr. Scher, and the metabolic psychiatry movement at metabolicmind.org 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicPsychiatry Expert Featured: Erica Gerard - Metabolic Mind Producer Bret Scher, MD - Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Expert Mentioned: Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/ https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMD https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/ Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt https://www.youtube.com/user/eenfeldt/videos https://se.linkedin.com/in/dietdoctor Jan Ellison Baszucki https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/jan-ellison-baszucki/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellisonbaszucki https://www.instagram.com/jan_ellison_baszucki/?hl=en Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 19 · 29 min
Psychiatry Research Priorities: Keto, GLP-1s, Exercise & Mental Illness
What questions matter most to people living with serious mental illness when it comes to metabolic interventions? Dr. Dina Farran and Dr. Toby Pillinger from King's College London set out to answer exactly that through a Priority Setting Partnership, an extensive collaborative process bringing together people with lived experience, family members, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers to identify the top research priorities in metabolic psychiatry. Their findings reveal a powerful shift in how patients and clinicians think about mental illness, and what the future of treatment may look like. In this conversation, you'll learn: What a Priority Setting Partnership is and why it matters for psychiatric research How over 450 participants and 1,400 submissions were narrowed down to a top 10 list Why 8 of the top 10 priorities focused on mental health outcomes, not just physical health Why ketogenic diets ranked as the number one research priority How GLP-1 medications, exercise, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies entered the conversation Why patients and caregivers may have a more integrated view of mental illness than the research field What this roadmap means for the future of metabolic psychiatry research and care This interview captures a meaningful turning point in how the field of metabolic psychiatry is beginning to align with what truly matters to the people it serves. Interested in learning more about metabolic psychiatry? Check out our blog: What is Metabolic Psychiatry? 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #MetabolicPsychiatry #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Dr. Dina Farran https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dina-farran-225028288 Dr. Toby Pillinger https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/toby-pillinger http://uk.linkedin.com/in/toby-pillinger Resources Mentioned: PSP has been previously run by: https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/ https://www.nih.gov/ Where the manuscript will be published: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/home Experts mentioned: Danny Smith https://edwebprofiles.ed.ac.uk/profile/professor-daniel-j-smith Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 16 · 8 min
BITESIZE: Lipidologist Questions the New Keto and Liver Disease Study
A recent study made headlines for claiming a ketogenic diet may worsen fatty liver disease and raise triglycerides. But when you take a closer look at the research, it’s clear that the conclusions are far less supported than the coverage suggests. To clear things up, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down what the study actually found, where the methodology falls short, and what the broader body of research has to say about ketogenic therapy and liver health. In this discussion, you'll learn: What the study examined and how the data was collected Why the lack of ketone measurement makes it impossible to confirm anyone was actually in ketosis How reverse causality may explain the findings entirely What baseline differences in BMI and adiposity reveal about the study population Why cross-sectional observational studies sit lower on the evidence hierarchy than RCTs What a meta-analysis of 62 randomized controlled trials shows about ketogenic diets and triglycerides What a 12-week supervised intervention revealed about ketogenic therapy and fatty liver reduction Why higher-quality controlled trial evidence should take precedence over headline-grabbing observational studies For clinicians, researchers, and anyone navigating conflicting headlines about ketogenic therapy, this conversation is a reminder that the quality of evidence matters as much as the findings themselves. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMind #FattyLiverDisease Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Association between dietary patterns and lipid profile in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective cross-sectional study https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1794910 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
July 14 · 42 min
How One CGM Changed This Cardiologist’s Life
Is a plant-based diet the best for supporting metabolic health? Cardiologist Dr. Jaimela Dulaney spent years practicing plant-based nutrition before her own experience with insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, and endurance running led her to rethink what personalized nutrition can look like. In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Dulaney about what changed her perspective, both personally and professionally. They cover: How CGMs helped reveal unexpected blood sugar patterns Why insulin resistance can show up even in active, normal-weight individuals How Dr. Dulaney thinks about LDL cholesterol in the context of metabolic health Why low-carb and ketogenic diets may help some people improve energy, recovery, and blood sugar stability Why there may not be one “best diet” for every patient This conversation highlights the importance of listening to patients, tracking meaningful lab trends, and staying open to new evidence when personal experience and clinical outcomes begin to tell a different story. 👉 Interested in learning more about metabolic health, cholesterol, and heart disease? Check out our article: Beyond LDL: New Insights into Metabolic Health and Heart Disease. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #HeartDisease Expert Featured: Dr. Jaimela Dulaney https://doctordulaney.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@jjd862 Expert Mentioned: Andrew Koutnik https://www.instagram.com/andrewkoutnikphd/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBoAR4gzVC5Y0e5raQLPkQ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkoutnikphd111/ Dr. Noakes https://register.cpso.on.ca/physician-info/?cpsonum=50902 https://surgery.utoronto.ca/faculty/jeffrey-noakes Resources Mentioned: Additional resources Dr. Noakes book: Lore of Nutrition: Challenging Conventional Dietary Beliefs Dr. Esselstyn - https://www.dresselstyn.com/site/ Dean Ornish: Ornish program — http://ornish.com/ Nina Teicholz Book: The Big Fat Surprise Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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